Punjab in Pakistan Faces Prolonged Power Outages

April 14, 2026

Lahore (Pakistan), April 14: Residents across Punjab in Pakistan are facing prolonged hours of power outages, severely disrupting daily life in both urban and rural areas. The situation has worsened in recent days, with people reporting frequent and unpredictable electricity cuts.

Rural Areas Worst Affected

According to reports, the crisis is more severe in rural regions, where outages can last up to 12–16 hours a day. Areas served by distribution companies are experiencing frequent interruptions, sometimes on an hourly basis. Districts such as Muzaffargarh and Khanewal have reported extended and unannounced power cuts, leaving residents frustrated due to lack of clear communication from authorities.

Urban Centres Also Facing Disruptions

Urban areas, including cities like Faisalabad and Lahore, are also witnessing regular outages, though for shorter durations of around three to four hours daily. Officials have claimed that in some cases, these interruptions are due to scheduled maintenance work or repair activities, as well as efforts to control electricity theft in high-loss areas.

Supply Shortfall and Gas Crisis Behind Situation

Experts attribute the worsening power situation to a widening gap between electricity demand and supply. A significant factor is the reduced availability of gas for power generation. Reports indicate that liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports have been halted temporarily, limiting fuel supply to power plants and affecting electricity production.